Working with
Matthew Burt
Information for architects and specifiers
About the studio
Matthew Burt has been designing and making furniture at Lime Tree Studio & Workshops in Hindon, Wiltshire since 1977. All work is made by hand at the studio, in solid British hardwoods selected specifically for each commission.
We work with architects and specifiers on furniture commissions ranging from single pieces to complete interior schemes. We are experienced in the requirements of residential, hospitality, ecclesiastical and institutional projects, and comfortable working at the scale and programme that contract work demands.
Selected project credits include the Ashmolean Museum Oxford, Salisbury Cathedral, Courtauld Gallery London, Lambeth Palace, and a range of private residential commissions in the UK and internationally.
How projects run
01
BriefWe work from written briefs, mood boards or scaled drawings. We contribute design input at specification stage and can provide alternatives and material options before commitment.
02
Design and approvalScaled drawings are produced for client or project approval. Timber samples and finish references are available on request. No making begins until design and cost are agreed.
03
MakingAll work is made at Lime Tree Studio & Workshops. We provide progress updates and flag any issues early. We are transparent about workshop capacity and schedule from the outset.
04
Delivery and installationWe deliver and install our own work. Larger pieces are positioned in situ by a specialist two-person team with all packaging removed. We coordinate with other trades on request.
Timbers
We work primarily in British hardwoods, selected tree by tree from trusted suppliers. The following species are available for most commissions. Others can be sourced for specific projects.
| Species | Character | Movement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| English oak | [Description to be added] | Moderate | Standard specification. Tiger oak and bog oak available, see below. |
| Bog oak | [Description to be added] | Low | Availability varies. Contact studio to confirm stocks. |
| Elm | [Description to be added] | Moderate–high | Seasonal availability. Burr elm available subject to stock. |
| English walnut | [Description to be added] | Moderate | Available for most commissions. |
| Ash | [Description to be added] | Moderate | Available for most commissions. |
| Yew | [Description to be added] | Low–moderate | Subject to availability. Discuss at brief stage. |
| Rippled sycamore | [Description to be added] | High | Used for interior panels, drawer linings and decorative elements. Discuss application at brief stage. |
| Cherry | [Description to be added] | Moderate | Available for most commissions. |
Timber samples available on request. All hardwoods will move with seasonal humidity variation: this is normal and should be accounted for in fixed installations. We are happy to advise on specification for any application.
Finishing options
| Finish | Appearance | Maintenance | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard oil | Matt, natural | Occasional re-oiling. Marks can be sanded and re-oiled. | Standard specification for most furniture. Tables, desks, cabinetry. |
| Hardwax oil | Low sheen | Occasional re-application. More resistant to water than standard oil. | Kitchen furniture, surfaces subject to moisture. |
| Wax finish | Soft sheen | Regular waxing. Marks more easily than oil finishes but repairs well. | Decorative pieces, bedroom furniture. |
| Traditional oil | Matt, deep | Periodic re-oiling. Develops a rich patina over time. | Period interiors. Requires longer curing time. |
Finish samples available on request. We do not use lacquer or polyurethane finishes: all our finishes allow the timber to breathe and age naturally. Colour and sheen level will vary by species; samples should always be approved in the installation setting.
Lead times
| Commission type | Indicative lead time from deposit |
|---|---|
| Single piece (standard) | 12–14 weeks |
| Single piece (complex or unusual timber) | 14–18 weeks |
| Study or library scheme | 16–20 weeks |
| Kitchen | 20–28 weeks |
| Larger project / multi-room scheme | By discussion |
Lead times are from deposit, following design approval. We are always transparent about the current workshop schedule. For projects with fixed installation dates, please contact the studio early: lead time planning is much easier at brief stage than at order stage.
CAD drawings
Dimensioned drawings of selected collection pieces for specification. Additional drawings available on request.
Fin Table
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Compass Dining Table
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Partners' Desk
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Library Shelving bay
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Coopered Carver Chair
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Wall panelling section detail
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CAD drawings of all collection pieces are available on request in DWG and PDF formats. We can produce dimensioned drawings to brief for any proposed commission at the design stage.
Contact
To discuss a project, request samples or drawings, or to arrange a studio visit:
Lime Tree Studio & Workshops
Wylye Road, Hindon
Wiltshire SP3 6ER
England
T: +44 1747 820800
E: showroom@matthewburt.com
W: matthewburt.com
Monday–Friday 10am–5pm (GMT/BST)
Saturdays by appointment
How to send a brief
We are comfortable receiving briefs in any form: written description, mood board, measured drawing or site photograph. We do not require a formal specification to begin a conversation.
For projects at specification stage, please include: the proposed installation setting, any fixed dimensions or constraints, the intended use, and any timber or finish preferences. We will respond with availability, indicative cost range and next steps.
For urgent project enquiries, please call the studio directly.
Working with Matthew Burt · matthewburt.com · Lime Tree Studio & Workshops, Hindon, Wiltshire SP3 6ER · © Matthew Burt Ltd